Will more acres of corn translate into greater yield? We hope so.

Opening the business section of a newspaper over the past couple of months, it’s a safe bet that you will have read about rising food costs and their link to one of the most basic ingredients in our food supply: corn.

Last week, The Associated Press reported some good news for consumers on that front. U.S. farmers planted their second-largest crop in 67 years. The implications of this are that we could see a greater surplus of corn come harvest time and the possibility of lower food prices.

Yes, it’s possible. Yet it’s wise to lock into the uncertainty of that word.

We are also in the midst of a treacherous and devastating meteorological year, during which tornados have already killed hundreds and destroyed miles of property, and flooding in some parts of the country seems to be counterbalanced by drought in other parts. The Associated Press is reporting on the optimism of the food industry as its article begins by saying, “U.S. food prices may ease later this year …” I , too, appreciate optimism, though I am also aware of the brutal honesty of agricultural life.

After hearing about the woes of farmers in my native Midwest struggling to get seed in the ground because of the wet weather, I am surprised at this latest report of the 92.3 million acres being planted. I also wonder whether getting the seed in the ground as late as many did will create a new reality of what 92.3 million acres mean. For example, if all other factors were equal, 1 million acres under a normal planting schedule would certainly yield more crop than that same land would under the abbreviated time frame.

Food inflation is something that should be of concern to people at all economic levels. More corn would give all of us a reprieve from rising prices -- but there are so many factors still to come that it’s prudent to keep your optimism at least a little guarded for now.